Pryce Votes to Support Our Troops

2005 Defense Authorization Provides Critical Support and Quality-of-Life Improvements

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Upper Arlington) voted today to support the fiscal year (FY) 2005 Defense Authorization conference report, which provides critical force protection resources for our troops, as well as many quality-of-life improvements for our men and women in uniform.  President Bush is expected to sign the agreement into law shortly. 

“Our troops deserve our fullest support, and this bill continues this President’s and Congress’ leadership in providing our troops with the equipment they need to do their job effectively, and to get home safely,” Congresswoman Pryce said.  “On the battlefield, we provide critical force protection resources, including countermeasures for improvised explosive devices, improved surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and the latest infantry equipment.  At home, this legislation meets the needs of our military personnel with a 3.5 percent across-the-board pay raise, special pays and bonuses, and the complete phase-out of out-of-pocket housing expenses.”

“More than 200,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have served in the Global War on Terrorism.  After freeing 50 million people in Iraq and Afghanistan, our troops are leading important multinational efforts to develop stable democracies and build hope for peace elsewhere in the Middle East.  Neither Iraq nor Afghanistan serves any longer as a home base for international terrorism, and this has made America safer.  Our nation owes our men and women in uniform a debt of gratitude for their service.”

"I am also encouraged that this bill includes a critical provision to strengthen the Department of Defense's capability to eliminate its backlog of untested rape DNA collection kits.  Insuring the department has the tools it needs to process DNA collection kits is the best chance we have to put rapists behind bars and close a painful chapter in the lives of those who have been vicitims of rape and sexual assault.”